About Us            Our latest news & photos ... New Article - KHMO volunteer work at FLNF March 2007 Connected with the Finger Lakes National Forest and a large hemlock wetland, this 60-acre sanctuary is known as Kestrel Haven Avian Migration Observatory. An inviting migratory stopover and year-round sanctuary for birds and other wildlife, this sanctuary and bird banding station provides invaluable data for assessing the biological health of the area. Daily weather data is transmitted to the National Weather Service and then made available worldwide. These data form the "official" weather database for Schuyler County. This is a privately owned, perpetual wildlife sanctuary and the only full time, non-profit avian research (banding) station in New York State. Bird Banding is under the aegis of the U.S. Department of the Interior and data are published in scientific journals as well as being publicly available through the Department.  As of January 2008, over 74,000 birds of 136 species have been banded here. A total of 219 avian species have been reported as a part of daily point counts. The overall data is invaluable in assessing the biologic health of the county. Among the sanctuary's ever-increasing array of wildlife inhabitants are 219 avian species, several reptiles and amphibians, many woodland mammals, and many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Through the Gregoires' foresight and generosity, the sanctuary is now protected by a conservation easement with The Wildlife Land Trust.